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SESAC Writes to FCC in Support of Translators

4-7-13

In a letter to the FCC, SESAC Vice President Gregory Riggle is asking the commission to grant a waiver that would allow WTCJ-AM in Tell City, Indiana, to relocate an FM translator a greater distance than the FCC's rules now allow. Riggle writes that, "In spite of innumerable contributions, AM Radio is unquestionably in a state of decline. It is impossible to overstate the value of AM Radio." A grant of the Tell City waiver request would open the opportunity to many AM stations to acquire FM translators.

Most broadcasters believe the an FM translator is the only immediate help that the FCC can give to AM stations. Riggle writes, "On behalf of the 3,800 AM radio stations that keep America informed of news, social commentary, potential dangers, and community joys and sorrows, SESAC urges the commission to grant the Tell City waiver."

The Tell City waiver request has been sitting in an FCC file cabinet since November of 2012. It will be a subject of discussion at Commissioner Pai’s AM Revitalization Panel at the NAB show in Las Vegas. The panel is Monday at 3:00 p.m. and includes Ben Downs, John Garziglia, Melodie Virtue, Glynn Walden, and Diane Warren.